Improved strip soil reinforcing and method of manufacturing

ABSTRACT

A soil reinforcing element and method of manufacturing for use in a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A smooth metal strip is fabricated into a soil reinforcing element that is manufactured from stock pulled from a coil, the surface of the strip surface is manipulated using the technique of cold forming. Where the manipulated surface is optimized to consist of a peak and a valley to increase the pullout resistance when embedded in an earthen formation involving a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to, and claims priority from U.S. Prov. Ser.No. 63/074,127 filed Sep. 3, 2020, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein fully by reference.

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

FIG. 5.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the configuration, use, and manufacturing of animproved metal strip soil reinforcing element for ground improvement ina mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure using the method of coldforming.

Description of the Related Art

Earth retaining structures that are constructed using soil inclusionsare positioned substantially horizontal in compacted backfill and are aform of ground improvement that is classified as mechanically stabilizedearth (MSE) structures.

MSE structures are known to be used for retaining wall systems, earthenembankments, bridge abutments that support the bridge substructure, damsthat retain water, headwalls for structural plate crossings, miningcrusher support structures, among others.

The construction of an MSE structure is a repetitive process thatconsists of placing compacted backfill and soil reinforcing in regularinterval thicknesses until a desired height of the structure isachieved. The soil reinforcing elements are generally the same lengthfrom top to bottom and are spaced at regular intervals in both thehorizontal and vertical direction.

It is known that the soil reinforcing elements are fabricated from metalor plastic. The soil reinforcing can consist of strips or continuoussheets. The strips may consist of elements that are fabricated to form agrid. The soil reinforcing elements can be configured so the soilreinforcing profile is planar or bi-planer. The soil reinforcing can befabricated to contain different surface configurations, patterns, andprofiles along their length.

The soil reinforcing elements may be placed in an embankment with orwithout a facing element. The soil reinforcing elements are generallyplaced perpendicular to the face of the embankment however they may beplaced in other skewed directions to bypass obstructions. Fornoncontinuous soil reinforcing elements the adjacent elements are spacedapart and are routinely within the same horizontal plane. The soilreinforcing in combination with the compacted backfill forms a compositestructure. The compacted backfill resists compressive forces while thesoil reinforcing attempts to resist tensile forces.

In instances where the soil reinforcing elements are attached to afacing element, the facing can be concrete, timber, steel, welded wiremesh or the likes thereof. The proximal ends of the soil reinforcingelements are attached to the facing in many different ways. The facingelement forms the external surface of the MSE structure, embankment, orearth retaining structure. The facing elements can be positionedvertically, or they can be battered into the earthen formation. Thefacing element prevents erosion of the backfill at the proximal end ofthe soil reinforcing between successive rows and columns of the soilreinforcing elements. The facing element may also serve as a decorativeveneer.

The embodiments and methods described in this patent pertains to soilreinforcing that is fabricated with metal strips. Conventionally, metalstrip soil reinforcing is known to have surfaces that are fabricated toform a grid, fabricated with a surface that is smooth or that has raisedcross ribs. The metal strips are also known to be fabricated with asinusoidal profile such that the strip extends as a force is applied.

Unfortunately, for metal strip soil reinforcing that utilizes a modifiedsurface, such as a protrusion or raised cross rib, the surfaceprotrusion or raised cross rib is always formed during the final phaseof the manufacturing process from raw heated stock in what is known asthe hot rolling process.

Hot rolling is a metalworking process that takes place at a temperatureabove the recrystallization temperature of the particular material thatmay be between 850° C. to 1200° C. based upon the metallic alloyinvolved. During the hot rolling metalworking process the grains of thematerial deform and recrystallize during cooling. The hot rollingmetalworking process is designed to so the metal maintains amicrostructure where the crystals are approximately the same length andso as to prevent the metal from work hardening. The starting materialfor hot rolling typically consists of large pieces of metal that may beclassified as slabs, blooms, and billets which are then squeezed andmodified under high temperature and pressures. In instances where theinitial casting-to-forming operation is continuous the cast material isfed directly into hot rolling mills at the predefined temperature. Themetal material, typically proximate its glass transition temperature(t_(g)), is processed back-and-forth with a series of high pressure (andhot) rollers to produce the end product shape such as strips, rounds,angles, channels, and the likes thereof which are then cooled inspecially constructed cooling arrangements. The surface of the hotrolled element can be configured with raised ribs such as the ribs onconventionally known concrete reinforcing bars (formed by hot rolling).These raised ribs are placed on the element as a final rolling processwhile the material is still at or near the original billet temperatureand so that the microstructure is easily manipulated.

In hot rolling the placement of the raised ribs requires sets of specialhydraulic rollers to produce different sizes of elements in differentpositions. Because special hot rollers are required the thickness,width, and configuration of the conventional element is limited by thehot roller and thus limited in sizes that where hot rollers can bepurchased by the consumer. Because special hot rollers are required thenumber of fabricators, and the types of fabrication facilities capableof handling large thermal masses is also limited.

A conventional metalworking process that can manipulate the surface ofmetal is called die forming. Metal die forming is a process that usespressure and dies to manipulate metallic shapes at a cool temperature(e.g., room temperature) that is far below a glass transition (t_(g)) ofany initial metallic alloy material.

The die forming process is typically made by means of matched male andfemale dies. In one process the metal is passed between male and femaledies that contain complementary impressions of the desired end pattern.The pattern is formed in the metal when it is cold under pressure. Thisis advantageous as it allows for the fabrication using different metalstock such as strips, plates, and bars. It also allows for the use ofbars with different cross sections such as rectangular, square, round,hexagonal or any desired pattern placed on the surfaces or edges.

Unfortunately, current structures in soil reinforcing including soilreinforcing structures formed by hot rolling are not as effective inresisting tensile forces as desired proving difficult to calculate andquantify, are costly and dangerous to produce and expensive to transportto the thermal requirements for hot rolling and the specificrequirements for hot rolling.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides at least one aspect not appreciated inthe conventional arts and provides an improved strip soil reinforcingelement and enhanced method of manufacturing as well as providing for aresultant improved mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structurescontaining an improved strip soil reinforcing element provided by thepresent invention.

According to one alternative aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a soil reinforcing element and method of manufacturing for usein a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A smooth metal stripis fabricated into a soil reinforcing element that is manufactured fromstock pulled from a coil, the surface of the strip surface ismanipulated using the technique of cold forming. Where the manipulatedsurface is optimized to consist of a peak and a valley to increase thepullout resistance when embedded in an earthen formation involving amechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure.

In a further alternative aspect of the present invention, it isrecognized that the invention provides a manufacturing process where ametal element can be manipulated into a soil reinforcing element ofdifferent widths and thicknesses and with different surface and crosssection profiles using a cold rolling process.

According to another aspect of the present invention it was discoveredthat pullout resistance of soil reinforcing elements is a function offrictional resistance that develops along the interface of the soilreinforcing element and the soil and by passive resistance that developsat the location of a profile that is generally perpendicular to thedirection of the applied force. It was determined that the configurationand orientation of the passive profile is therefore important tooptimize pullout resistance without adding cost to the element.

Soil reinforcing is designed to resists tension forces that develop inan earth mass. The soil reinforcing must be strong enough to resistrupture and to resist pullout from the earth mass. Conventionally, theresistance to rupture of a conventional soil reinforcing element is afunction of the metal properties and the cross-sectional area and iseasily calculated. One such pullout test method is governed by theAmerican Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification D6706,Standard Test Method for Measuring Geosynthetic Pullout Resistance inSoil. Unfortunately, the present Applicant discovered that the pulloutresistance of a soil reinforcing element is more complicated tocalculate and is a function of the surface area and shape of theelement. As a result, according to another aspect of the presentinvention, it was determined to calculate the predicted pulloutresistance of soil reinforcing through laboratory testing and as aresult to resolve that the pullout resistance of metal soil reinforcingthe ASTM D6706 test was required as modified herein.

It is therefore an advantageous aspect of the present invention todevise an economical method of manufacturing a soil reinforcing elementthat allows for the use of commonly produced metal shapes, that can havesurface reliefs or passive projections or peaks and valleys, and/or edgerelief or projections applied to it that increases the pullout capacityof the soil reinforcing element that has been maximized and verifiedthrough laboratory pullout testing and can be assembled into amechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure, having a facing elementto secure a panel anker and one end of the improved strip soilreinforcement.

According to an alternative aspect of the present invention there isprovided an improved strip soil reinforcing element that is fabricatedfrom stock consisting of a strip where all surfaces are smooth, wherethe surface of the strip is manipulated using a cold forming process bypassing it through opposing surfaces of two profile dies, where theprofile dies position is adjustable so the strip is passed between theprofile dies under pressure, whereas the profile die surfaceconfiguration combined with pressure cold forms the profile along thesurface of the strip that optimizes pullout resistance.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for manufacturing a metal soil reinforcing elementwherein the metal is one of a carbon steel alloy, aluminum, stainlesssteel, copper alloy, and bronze alloy.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention thereis provided an improved strip soil reinforcing element and method ofmanufacturer wherein a proximal end of the strip has a through bore andhas passive surface profiles spacing, and geometry optimized andverified by pullout testing that resists pulling out under tension.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis provided an improved strip soil reinforcing element that isfabricated from stock consisting of a generally flat strip where thetop, bottom and side surfaces are smooth, where the top surface of thestrip is formed with a combination of at least one set of transverseribs consisting of a peak and valley where the peak and valley arespaced between generally flat surfaces.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis provided an improved strip soil reinforcing element wherein the peaksand valleys are uniformly spaced based apart along the surface of thestrip, and where the peak and valley are uniformly spaced apart and thedistance between a next set of peaks and valleys is variable.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of manufacturing an improved soil reinforcing element usingcoiled metal comprising the steps of placing the coil on an unwindingpedestal; passing the strip through a straightening station; passing thestrip through a punch station; passing the strip through a profilingstation; passing the strip through a guillotine; placing the finishedstrip in a stack; banding the finished stack of strips and where theorder of the process is adaptive and in part interchangeable.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provide amechanically stabilized earth (MSE) system and a method for constructinga mechanically stabilized earth system, comprising: a soil reinforcingelement consisting of a metal strip fabricated with cold formed profiledpeaks and valleys along the surface and a through bore at the proximalend; a facing anchor having first and second connection plates extendingfrom the back face of an earth structure and being vertically-offsetfrom each other at predetermined distances that accepts the proximal endof the soil reinforcing, each connection plate defining ahorizontally-disposed through bore; and a coupling device extendablethrough each horizontally-disposed through bore and the central openingof the connection element to secure to the soil reinforcing to thefacing anchor, wherein the combination of the through bore, centralopening and the coupling device prevent the element from uncoupling: andwherein the combined connection element and soil reinforcing element iscapable of swiveling in a horizontal plane.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention thereis presented a strip soil reinforcing element, for use in a mechanicallystabilized earth (MSE) structure, comprising: a stock member consistingof a strip wherein all surfaces on the strip are smooth, where thesurface of the strip is manipulated using a cold forming process bypassing the strip through opposing surfaces of two profile diesimparting a resistance profile on the strip; the resistance profileincludes at least one first peak member on a first side of the striphaving the first side and an opposite second side, and extending betweenrespective at least a first flat section and a second flat section ofthe strip; each of the first and the second flat sections extendingalong a common plane; a first flat side and a second flat side onopposing sides of the at least one peak member having equal lengths anddefining an obtuse medial angle therebetween; a first obtuse angledefined from the first flat side of the at least one first peak relativeto the first flat section and a second obtuse angle defined from thesecond flat side of the at least one first peak relative to the secondflat section; and the first obtuse angle and the second obtuse anglebeing between 160-140 degrees and the obtuse medial angle between thefirst and the second flat sides is between 120-100 degrees; whereby theresistance profile optimizes a pullout resistance of the strip soilreinforcing member from the mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)structure during a use thereof.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention thereis presented a strip soil reinforcing element, further comprising: atleast a second peak member on the strip; and the first peak member andthe second peak member spaced on the strip by at least one of the firstand the second flat sections therebetween.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention thereis presented a strip soil reinforcing element, wherein: the at leastfirst and second peak members being either both on the first side of thestrip or on opposite sides of the strip relative to the common plane.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention thereis presented a strip soil reinforcing element, wherein: a length of thefirst and the second flat sections is one of uniform and nonuniformbetween respective the first and the second peak members.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention thereis presented a strip soil reinforcing element, wherein: the stock memberbeing manipulated using the cold forming process is at least one ofcarbon steel, stainless steel, an iron alloy, an aluminum alloy, acopper alloy, and a bronze alloy.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention thereis presented a strip soil reinforcing element, wherein: a proximal endof the strip has a through bore.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis a system, for constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)structure, comprising: a strip soil reinforcing element consisting of ametal strip fabricated with cold formed profiled resistance profilehaving at least a plurality of peaks along a flat surface and a throughbore at a proximal end; a facing panel element having a facing panelanker with a coupling device extending from a back face of a facingpanel element and adjustably accepting the proximal end of the stripsoil reinforcing element and the strip soil reinforcing element; acoupling device extending through the proximal end and the facing panelanker to secure the strip soil reinforcing member to the facing panelanker wherein the combined coupling device and the strip soilreinforcing element capable of swiveling along a common plane.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis a system, for constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)structure, further comprising: a plurality of the strip soil reinforcingelements each containing a plurality of the cold formed profiles alongrespective flat surfaces; each of the strip soil reinforcing elementsconsisting of a strip wherein all surfaces on the strip are smooth,where the surface of the strip is manipulated forming the cold formedprofile using a cold forming process by passing the strip throughopposing surfaces of two profile dies imparting the resistance profileon the strip; the resistance profile includes the plurality of peaks ona first side of the strip and each the peak having the first flat sideand an opposite second flat side, and extending between respective atleast a first flat section and a second flat section of the strip; eachof the first and the second flat sections extending along the commonplane; a first flat side and a second flat side on opposing sides of theat least one peak member having equal lengths and defining an obtusemedial angle therebetween; a first obtuse angle defined from the firstflat side of each the peak relative to the first flat section and asecond obtuse angle defined from the corresponding second flat side ofeach the peak relative to the second flat section; and the first obtuseangle and the second obtuse angle being between 160-140 degrees and theobtuse medial angle between the first and the second flat sides isbetween 120-100 degrees; whereby the resistance profile optimizes apullout resistance of the strip soil reinforcing member from themechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure during a use thereof.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis a system, for constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)structure, comprising a plurality of facing panel elements each having aplurality of facing panel ankers each with a corresponding couplingdevice extending from a respective back face of each the facing panelelement and adjustably accepting respective the proximal ends of theplurality of strip soil reinforcing elements and securing respective thestrip soil reinforcing element; and a plurality of soil lifts along theplurality of facing panel elements relative to a base level and afinished grade; and each the plurality of soil lifts is secured in themechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure with a correspondingseries of the strip soil reinforcing elements.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis a system, for constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)structure, wherein: each the strip soil reinforcing elements includes,in the plurality of peaks at least a first peak ember and a second peakmember; and the at least first and the second peak members being eitherboth on the first side of the strip or on opposed sides of the striprelative to the common plane; or wherein: a length of the first and thesecond flat sections of each the strip of the plurality of strips is oneof uniform and nonuniform between respective the first and the secondpeak members; or wherein: the strip soil reinforcing elements are eachselected from one of a carbon steel, stainless steel, an iron alloy, analuminum alloy, a copper alloy, and a bronze alloy.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis a method manufacturing a strip soil reinforcing element using coiledmetal comprising the steps of: a. placing the coiled metal on anunwinding pedestal and unwinding the coiled metal as a strip; b. passingthe strip through a first straightening station forming an initiallystraightened strip; c. passing the initially straightened strip througha cold pressing profiling station and imparting a resistance profileconsisting of at least a plurality of cold formed peaks along a surfaceof the strip; wherein the cold pressing profiling station contains afixed dye and a movable dye each having complementary profiles so thatduring the step of imparting the resistance profile a final straightenedportion is formed between respective the peaks and valleys along thesurface of the strip; d. passing the strip through a punch station; e.passing the strip through a guillotine and cutting the strip to apredetermined length; f. placing the finished strip in a stack; and g.banding the finished stack of strips.

According to another alternative aspect of the present invention, thereis a method manufacturing a strip soil reinforcing element using coiledmetal wherein: the resistance profile includes the plurality of the coldformed peaks on the strip and each the peak having the first flat sideand an opposite second flat side, and extending between respective atleast a first flat section and a second flat section of the strip; eachof the first and the second flat sections extending along a common planeon the final straightened portions; a first flat side and a second flatside on opposing sides of the peak members having equal lengths anddefining an obtuse medial angle therebetween; a first obtuse angledefined from the first flat side of each the peak relative to the firstflat section and a second obtuse angle defined from the correspondingsecond flat side of each the peak relative to the second flat section;and the first obtuse angle and the second obtuse angle being between160-140 degrees and the obtuse medial angle between the first and thesecond flat sides is between 120-100 degrees; whereby the resistanceprofile optimizes a pullout resistance of the strip soil reinforcingmember from the mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure during ause thereof.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2A provide an illustrative punching shear model calculationof an improved strip soil reinforcing embodiment that is a flat metalstrip containing smooth surface on a top and a bottom and along edgesfollowing defined passive profiles shown here on a peak and a valley ona top surface thereof (with FIG. 1 noting an analysis element thereoffor calculation.)

FIG. 2B is an illustrative mirrored profile of FIG. 2A wherein anillustrative passive profile containing a peak and a valley are mirrorimaged on a single element relative to a direction of force.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C provide alternative isometric images of cold formedmetal strips according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A provides a method of manufacturing that is adaptive to coldforming using either strip coil or straightened feed bar stock.

FIG. 4B provides an illustrative cold press forming step of bending to adesired passive profile and a final straightening of a previouslyprovided bar strip having an initial straightening upon removal from astrip coil.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative isometric assembly of an improved strip soilreinforcing element having a panel anker assembled thereto.

FIG. 6 is an isometric illustrative view of a mechanically stabilizedearth (MSE) structure containing one or more improved strip soilreinforcing elements affixed in a facing element or panel element, asshown, in an alternative embodiment on a first lift or first driftlevel.

FIG. 7 is a further isometric illustrative view of a mechanicallystabilized earth (MSE) structure containing one or more improved stripsoil reinforcing elements with a plurality of facing panel elements on abase level relative to a retained fill portion forming an earthretaining structure.

FIG. 8 is a sectional illustrative view showing an assembly of a facingpanel element and a plurality of improved strip soil reinforcingelements in a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure with aplurality of lifts or drift levels for enhanced tension resistance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention.Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in thedrawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts orsteps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale.The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct andimmediate connections, but also include connections through intermediateelements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only,directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms maybe used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directionalterms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It willalso be understood that other embodiments may be utilized withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, and that the detaileddescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elementsmay be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appendedclaims without requirements of the written description being requiredthereto.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations inturn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments ofthe present invention; however, the order of description should not beconstrued to imply that these operations are order dependent.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 8 collectively, FIGS. 1 to 3 provide animproved strip soil reinforcing embodiment for a mechanically stabilizedearth (SME) structure that is a flat metal strip containing smoothsurface on a top and a bottom and along edges following defined passiveprofiles shown here on a peak and a valley on a top surface thereof(with FIG. 1 noting an illustrative analysis element thereof forcalculation.).

As noted in FIGS. 1-8, and FIGS. 1 to 3 more directly, the passiveprofile includes a peak and valley separated by a generally flat surfaceand are essentially mirror images of one another when viewing the sidesurface and are formed from cold material using die forming. The spacingand shape of the peak and valley profile is optimized and may beverified by using the below geometric requirements and physically testedusing a method of pullout testing. The surface profile is fabricated bythe method of cold forming using profiled dies as will be discussed.This provides the further economic advantage of fabricating improvedstrip soil reinforcement using stock material that is contained on acoil.

FIG. 1 is an analysis of pullout resistance of improved strip soilreinforcing elements as invented herein and is a function of frictionalresistance that develops along the interface of the soil reinforcingelement and the soil in tension by passive resistance that develops atthe location of a profile that is generally perpendicular to thedirection of the applied force. The configuration and orientation of thepassive profile invented herein is therefore important to optimizepullout resistance without adding cost to the element.

When an element contained in soil is loaded so it is pushed into thesoil the soil will fail along a surface. The surface, also known as afailure surface, is a function of the friction angle of the soil. Thefailure surface propagates at an angel of 45+ϕ2. Where ϕ (phi) is theinternal friction angle of the soil. An element that is placed in soiland loaded can only move when force exceeds the strength of the soil.When soil failure occurs the passive element punches into the soil inthe direction of failure as shown in FIG. 1.

The wedge of soil in front of the element defined by Zone-I (ABC) (I)must move the surrounding soil defined by Zone-II (II) out of the way.The angle alpha (α) is a function of the internal friction angle of thesoil. The angle beta (β) is a function of the applied force and thecompacted density of the surrounding soil as well as the dilatancycharacteristics of the soil. The angles alpha (α) and beta (β) arecorrelated to the angle of 45 degrees plus one-half the internalfriction angle of the soil. Zone-II (II) is above zone AD (as shown).During tension, the more that Zones-II and Zones-III (III) are allowedto propagate unobstructed the higher the pullout resistance of the soilreinforcing element. The failure surface follows the outer profile ofZones II, III, and provides substantial resistance to movement whensuitably positioned and assembled in a mechanically stabilized earth(MSE) structure.

The preferred embodiment passive profile is shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and3A-3C is of a triangular profile where the acute profile angle theta (θ)is preferably between 20-44 degrees and more preferably between 30-40degrees (relative to the complementary obtuse angle between (oppositeacute profile angle theta (θ)) (as shown). The complementary obtuseangle is therefore between 160 degrees (180−20 degrees) 136 degrees(180−44 degrees) and more preferably between 140 degrees (180 degrees−40degrees) and 150 degrees (180 degrees−30 degrees). The range of theseangles is the range of internal friction angle for soils that aretypically used as backfill in Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE)structures. When the profile is limited to this angle Zone-II can fullydevelop and the pullout resistance is of the soil reinforcing element isoptimized. It should be understood that other angles are possible andcan be determined for a particular soil using pullout testing.

Referring further specifically to FIGS. 2B, and 3A-3C, to increase thepullout resistance the passive resistance triangular element in FIG. 2Ais repeated and alternatively mirrored to the bottom surface and spacedat a distance that limits the interference or overlap of the failuresurfaces. This arrangement allows for the flat portions therebetween tofall within the same plane so that the acute and obtuse angles may bereadily calculated as is noted herein with certainty that in eitherdirection of force (e.g., FIG. 2A, 2B show direction of force leftwardto the image, but the retention force is directly in the oppositedirection rightward). As a result, it is conceived that in an imaginaryisosceles triangle calculated between the two opposing isoscelespeak-sides having a base angle at A (e.g., in FIG. 2A) there are twoopposite acute profile angles theta (θ) and the remaining obtuse medialangle ACA (FIG. 2A) may be calculated (e.g., 180 internal degrees−(2×the acute profile angles theta (θ)) such that the obtuse medial anglemay be preferably between 100 to 120 degrees).

Referring additionally further to FIGS. 3A-3C wherein a plurality ofrespective improved strip soil reinforcing elements 80, 80B, and 80C areprovided. Profile element 80 includes the profile as noted in FIG. 2Bwith passive profiles inverted and regularly spaced so that there areregular flat portions 81, 81 spacing passive profiles forming obtuseangles 82, 82 off the flat portions 81, 81 separated by medial obtuseangles 83, 83 etc. defined between the obtuse angles 82, 82, as shown.Alternatively, profile element 80B is shown with passive profiles thatare inverted and spaced by two different flat portions 81 (longer) and81A (shorter), each with respective obtuse angles (relative to flatportions 81) 82A, 82A and a medial obtuse angle 83A (defined betweenobtuse angles 82A), as shown. Further alternatively, a profile element80C is provided with regular uniform flat portions 81, 81, and spacedpassive profile elements on only one side with respective obtuse angles82C, 82C spaced by a medial obtuse angle 83C, as shown.

It will be recognized that the noted peaks and valleys are optimized andare intermittently spaced along the metal strips by the method of coldforming and are essentially mirror images of each other when viewing thesurface. As a result, it will be recognized that the present concept maybe adapted to the present alternative embodiments without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the Applicant's invention.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 4A and 4B wherein, in FIG. 4A amethod of manufacturing using alternative a cold strip coil (initially),or a provided cold bar stock (initially) is provided. The processincludes the steps noted, and includes using coiled metal that is; 1.Placed on an unwinding pedestal; 2. Passed through a unwinding,slitting, and strip feeding and straightening station; 3. Passed througha punch station; 4. Passed through a profiling station or alternativelya twisting and profiling station 5 to an optional induction heatingstation; 6. Cut to length in a guillotine; 7 and optionally punched witha through hole 8 and then placed in a stack; 9. Banded and transported.The process therein is provided without further general heating and isnoted as cold forming.

Additionally, referring to FIG. 4B where the surface profiling andfurther straightening is provided, the initially straightened stockflattened bar 50 (cold) is provided to a set of dies, with top die 40Acomplementing bottom die 40B with a desired profile spaced between flatsections (as shown). In a next step, the dies are compressed and theprofile is cold formed in the bar and then fed along a fixed bed 40 to apunch and shear station 42 to have a through hole provided at an end andthe bar cut to a desired production length providing a formed improvedstrip soil reinforcing element 80 (or 80B or 80C, etc.) as may bedetermined, then a stack and band and bundle step is noted (combiningFIGS. 4A, 4B), as is noted the relative stations and steps can beoperated moved in different orders and still obtain the same desiredoutcome.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 5 to 8, wherein, an assembledimproved strip soil reinforcing element 1 is provided with thereinforcing soil strip element 80 and a panel anker 90 shaped to beretained within a panel facing element 108. A through hole 91 in panelanker 90 and in element 80 provides for the assembly and fixing with athreaded 72, washers 73, 73 and a nut 71 during a use to form anassembly with combined mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure.

As noted in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)structure 10 includes reinforced panel facing elements 108 of differingheights and shapes, typically supported on a footer or leveling pad 101relative to a base level 109, and improved strip soil reinforcingassemblies 1 are secured to panel facing elements 108 at respectivelifts or drifts 106 having thicknesses of soil based upon desiredparameters, and capped with a moment slap 104 and a roadway 110 with atraffic barrier 105 relative to a desired finish grade 102. In onealternative embodiment (FIG. 7) there is retained fill 111 based on therespective site requirements.

Although only a few embodiments have been disclosed in detail above,other embodiments are possible, and the inventors intend these to beencompassed within this specification. The specification describescertain technological solutions to solve the technical problems that aredescribed expressly and inherently in this application. This disclosuredescribes embodiments, and the claims are intended to cover anymodification or alternative or generalization of these embodiments whichmight be predictable to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Also, the inventor intends that only those claims which may use the word‘means’ or use the words ‘means for’ to be interpreted under 35 USC 112.Moreover, no limitations from the specification are intended to be readinto any claims, unless those limitations are expressly included in theclaims.

Where a specific numerical value is mentioned herein, it should beconsidered that the value may be increased or decreased by 20% (e.g., anangle of X degrees+/−20% is understood as within the disclosure andstill staying within the teachings of the present application, unlesssome different range is specifically mentioned. Where a specifiedlogical sense is used, the opposite logical sense is also intended to beencompassed.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it willbe apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to thoseprecise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations canbe made in the presently disclosed system without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the presentdisclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosureprovided they come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A strip soil reinforcing element, for use in amechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure, comprising: a stockmember consisting of a strip wherein all surfaces on said strip aresmooth, where the surface of the strip is manipulated using a coldforming process by passing said strip through opposing surfaces of twoprofile dies imparting a resistance profile on said strip; saidresistance profile includes at least one first peak member on a firstside of said strip having said first side and an opposite second side,and extending between respective at least a first flat section and asecond flat section of said strip; each of said first and said secondflat sections extending along a common plane; a first flat side and asecond flat side on opposing sides of said at least one peak memberhaving equal lengths and defining an obtuse medial angle therebetween; afirst obtuse angle defined from said first flat side of said at leastone first peak relative to said first flat section and a second obtuseangle defined from said second flat side of said at least one first peakrelative to said second flat section; and said first obtuse angle andsaid second obtuse angle being between 160-140 degrees and said obtusemedial angle between said first and said second flat sides is between120-100 degrees; whereby said resistance profile optimizes a pulloutresistance of said strip soil reinforcing member from said mechanicallystabilized earth (MSE) structure during a use thereof.
 2. The strip soilreinforcing element, according to claim 1, further comprising: at leasta second peak member on said strip; and said first peak member and saidsecond peak member spaced on said strip by at least one of said firstand said second flat sections therebetween.
 3. The strip soilreinforcing element, according to claim 2, wherein: said at least firstand second peak members being either both on said first side of saidstrip or on opposite sides of said strip relative to said common plane.4. The strip soil reinforcing element, according to claim 3, wherein: alength of said first and said second flat sections is one of uniform andnonuniform between respective said first and said second peak members.5. The strip soil reinforcing element, according to claim 4, wherein:said stock member being manipulated using said cold forming process isat least one of carbon steel, stainless steel, an iron alloy, analuminum alloy, a copper alloy, and a bronze alloy.
 6. The strip soilreinforcing element, according to claim 5, wherein: a proximal end ofthe strip has a through bore.
 7. A system, for constructing amechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure, comprising: a strip soilreinforcing element consisting of a metal strip fabricated with coldformed profiled resistance profile having at least a plurality of peaksalong a flat surface and a through bore at a proximal end; a facingpanel element having a facing panel anker with a coupling deviceextending from a back face of a facing panel element and adjustablyaccepting said proximal end of said strip soil reinforcing element andsaid strip soil reinforcing element; a coupling device extending throughsaid proximal end and said facing panel anker to secure said strip soilreinforcing member to said facing panel anker wherein the combinedcoupling device and said strip soil reinforcing element capable ofswiveling along a common plane.
 8. The system, according to claim 7,further comprising: a plurality of said strip soil reinforcing elementseach containing a plurality of said cold formed profiles alongrespective flat surfaces; each of said strip soil reinforcing elementsconsisting of a strip wherein all surfaces on said strip are smooth,where the surface of the strip is manipulated forming said cold formedprofile using a cold forming process by passing said strip throughopposing surfaces of two profile dies imparting said resistance profileon said strip; said resistance profile includes said plurality of peakson a first side of said strip and each said peak having said first flatside and an opposite second flat side, and extending between respectiveat least a first flat section and a second flat section of said strip;each of said first and said second flat sections extending along saidcommon plane; a first flat side and a second flat side on opposing sidesof said at least one peak member having equal lengths and defining anobtuse medial angle therebetween; a first obtuse angle defined from saidfirst flat side of each said peak relative to said first flat sectionand a second obtuse angle defined from said corresponding second flatside of each said peak relative to said second flat section; and saidfirst obtuse angle and said second obtuse angle being between 160-140degrees and said obtuse medial angle between said first and said secondflat sides is between 120-100 degrees; whereby said resistance profileoptimizes a pullout resistance of said strip soil reinforcing memberfrom said mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure during a usethereof.
 9. The system, according to claim 8, further comprising: aplurality of facing panel elements each having a plurality of facingpanel ankers each with a corresponding coupling device extending from arespective back face of each said facing panel element and adjustablyaccepting respective said proximal ends of said plurality of strip soilreinforcing elements and securing respective said strip soil reinforcingelement; and a plurality of soil lifts along said plurality of facingpanel elements relative to a base level and a finished grade; and eachsaid plurality of soil lifts is secured in said mechanically stabilizedearth (MSE) structure with a corresponding series of said strip soilreinforcing elements.
 10. The system, according to claim 9, wherein:each said strip soil reinforcing elements includes, in said plurality ofpeaks at least a first peak ember and a second peak member; and said atleast first and said second peak members being either both on said firstside of said strip or on opposed sides of said strip relative to saidcommon plane.
 11. The system, according to claim 10, wherein: a lengthof said first and said second flat sections of each said strip of saidplurality of strips is one of uniform and nonuniform between respectivesaid first and said second peak members.
 12. The system, according toclaim 11, wherein: said strip soil reinforcing elements are eachselected from one of a carbon steel, stainless steel, an iron alloy, analuminum alloy, a copper alloy, and a bronze alloy.
 13. A methodmanufacturing a strip soil reinforcing element using coiled metalcomprising the steps of: a. placing the coiled metal on an unwindingpedestal and unwinding the coiled metal as a strip; b. passing the stripthrough a first straightening station forming an initially straightenedstrip; c. passing the initially straightened strip through a coldpressing profiling station and imparting a resistance profile consistingof at least a plurality of cold formed peaks along a surface of saidstrip; wherein said cold pressing profiling station contains a fixed dyeand a movable dye each having complementary profiles so that during saidstep of imparting said resistance profile a final straightened portionis formed between respective said peaks and valleys along said surfaceof said strip; d. passing the strip through a punch station; e. passingthe strip through a guillotine and cutting said strip to a predeterminedlength; f. placing the finished strip in a stack; and g. banding thefinished stack of strips.
 14. The method, according to claim 13,wherein: said resistance profile includes said plurality of said coldformed peaks on said strip and each said peak having said first flatside and an opposite second flat side, and extending between respectiveat least a first flat section and a second flat section of said strip;each of said first and said second flat sections extending along acommon plane on said final straightened portions; a first flat side anda second flat side on opposing sides of said peak members having equallengths and defining an obtuse medial angle therebetween; a first obtuseangle defined from said first flat side of each said peak relative tosaid first flat section and a second obtuse angle defined from saidcorresponding second flat side of each said peak relative to said secondflat section; and said first obtuse angle and said second obtuse anglebeing between 160-140 degrees and said obtuse medial angle between saidfirst and said second flat sides is between 120-100 degrees; wherebysaid resistance profile optimizes a pullout resistance of said stripsoil reinforcing member from said mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)structure during a use thereof.